If you're looking to mix it up this year, you might want to plan a vacation and invite a friend along. If your friend wants to go on a trip and has kids around the same age as yours, the time together is bound to be memorable.
There are a ton of benefits to taking trips together. For one, it's a great excuse to build strong memories with your friends. It's also good to know that there's another set of eyes watching the kids. It's also a great way to save some money if you choose to share a room. Having kid-friendly meals like peanut butter and jelly around will also save some cash so that you don't have to dine out for every meal.
All that's left to plan is where to go. There are plenty of great locations in the United States that your kids will enjoy. In all honesty, even a small weekend trip the next state over will likely be a good way to recharge. But if you want to make the most out of your vacation days, there are many exciting options.
Here are eight wonderful destinations for you, your friends, and kids of all ages.
Denver, Colorado
There's a lot to do in Denver. If you don't like skiing, you can check out the Denver Art Museum. You can also go on a Rocky Mountain National Park tour. Kids will also enjoy the Denver Botanic Gardens, which is absolutely beautiful and has a delightful section designed for kids. Denver is also a great place to grab a bite to eat. If you're looking for a nice dinner for the adults, it's hard to beat Acorn on Brighton Boulevard. If your kids will be dining with you, Steuben's Uptown is a great place to go for some comfort food.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
It might be known for the Amish, but Lancaster has a great downtown that you'll have to see to believe. During the day, your kids can go to the Dutch Wonderland amusement park, which is located right next door to the first-ever Cartoon Network Hotel, which opened just recently. If you like trains, you'll definitely want to take a look at the Strasburg Rail Road. Ice cream fans may want to check out the Turkey Hill Experience to learn more about how ice cream is made. Isaac's is a great local sandwich chain if you're looking for a delicious lunch. You can also stop by Lancaster Cupcake, a small business that once competed on Cupcake Wars.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you've always wanted to experience Wyoming, now might be the best time. Jackson Hole is becoming a very popular destination spot, and when you see what the area has to offer, you'll understand why. You can tour Grand Teton National Park. Or check out the antler arch welcoming you to Town Square. Kids will have a ton of fun at the Jackson Hole Rodeo. You also won't want to miss the hot springs. Granite Hot Springs is one of the most popular choices, since it makes you feel one with nature. If you like barbecue, you'll have to stop at Bubba's.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a beautiful city worth checking out at least once. Your kids will love looking at their reflection in the Bean at Millennium Park or checking out the endless number of museums that Chicago offers. They even have free museum days if you're looking to save some money. The Shedd Aquarium has dolphins and sea otters you can visit. There's also the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier that's built for children in elementary school and below. Crosby's Kitchen is a great family-friendly restaurant. If there's a wait, you can also check out Eleven City Diner, which residents can't stop raving about.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
If you want to make your trip somewhat educational, you can always travel to Plymouth. Obviously, one of the biggest attractions is Plimoth Plantation. Everything was crafted to resemble early life in the Plymouth colony. Kids can also climb aboard Mayflower II. But there's a lot more to do in Plymouth. If you're a fan of wine, you might want to stop by the Plymouth Bay Winery. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch as a group at Nelson Memorial Park. Enjoy eating dinner with a beautiful harbor view at Tavern on the Wharf. Mamma Mia's of Plymouth Waterfront is also a popular restaurant choice, and it's got an outdoor deck you can enjoy when the weather is nice.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Beach vacations are always a hit with kids. Chincoteague is extra special — especially if you're looking for a quiet getaway. The big event of the year is the pony penning. If ponies are your thing, you can also go on Captain Dan's Pony Tour. Chincoteague is pretty close to the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City, Maryland. Most of the action in Chincoteague happens on Maddox Boulevard. For a quick bite, you can check out Sea Star Cafe Gourmet Carry Out. If you're a fan of tacos, Pico Tacqueria is a must.
Monterey, California
There's a lot to do in Monterey. For one, the Monterey Bay Aquarium houses sea otters and penguins, among other aquatic all-stars. If you and your friends like nature, you should also be on the lookout for Monterey's "moon tree." Long story short, it was one of many grown from seeds that traveled to the moon with command module pilot Stuart Roosa in 1971 and were exposed to cosmic rays. One of the most notable family-friendly places to eat is Hula’s Island Grill, which is right by Monterey's famous Cannery Row.
Sunriver, Oregon
Oregon has a lot to offer, so it's worthwhile to book a vacation there. Sunriver is one of the most popular destination sites in the state, especially if you like the outdoors. You can visit the Sunriver Marina or the Sunriver Nature Center, or takes the kids to the SHARC Water Park. Good family-friendly places to grab a bite include Big Belly Burgers & Brew and Blondie’s Pizza.
